FORD is planning to beef up its hybrid fleet with the introduction of petrol - electric powered versions of the Mondeo estate next year.

The new Mondeo hybrid estate will enable customers who require greater load-carrying capability to benefit from the efficiency and refinement of an electric powertrain in many driving scenarios, while maintaining the driving range and freedom offered by a traditional combustion engine, says the company.

A hybrid powertrain is currently only offered on the Mondeo four door, but Ford has spotted a chance to increase the estate's current 30 per cent share of total UK Mondeo sales by adding a hybrid option to the mix.

The 184bhp powertrain uses an electric motor in conjunction with a two-litre Atkinson cycle petrol engine and a generator to enable regenerative charging of the 1.4kWh lithium-ion, air-cooled, recyclable battery which is located behind the rear seats. Regenerative braking technology captures up to 90 per cent of the energy normally lost during braking to replenish the battery.

Says Roelant de Waard, Ford's European marketing, sales and service vice president: "Electrified powertrains will continue to play a key role in our European product line-up. Ford is investing $11 billion and plans to deliver 16 fully electric vehicles within a global portfolio of 40 electrified vehicles by 2022."

Full specifications and prices will be announced nearer to the car's launch next year.